From Balme the stage climbs the steep slopes typical of the Lanzo valleys, and leads to the Paschiet pass at 2435 metres. The pass leads from the Vale of Ala to the Vale of Viù, and the hamlet of Usseglio, well-known tourist resort at the bottom of the valley.

From the village of Balme, cross the stream and follow the road to the hamlet of Cornetti (GTA and Sentiero Italia signs). A track climbs gently to the hamlet of Frè. It continues along the banks of the stream and then climbs the grassy slopes to the Verdi lakes. Beyond the lakes the slope is not as steep. After the Gandolfo bivouac the trail leads to the Paschiet pass, and into the Viù valley. Initially the descent is on a faint trail along steep green slopes. A short stretch climbs again to the Costa Fiorita pass and then the descent becomes steep to Usseglio, along a faint trail which sometimes disappears altogether. The trail hits the road at the bottom of the valley. Follow the road to the village of Usseglio. (Regione Piemonte)

Other long-distance trails and alternative routes

The trail largely follows GTA stage 224. It is possible to climb to the following peaks: Torre d'Ovarda, Cima Chiavesso, the eastern and western peaks of Mount Ortetti.

In Balme serving as Posto Tappa 'Albergo Camussot' was closed in early 2012. Antonella Guido Rocci and now operate the 'Les Montagnards'. More details at http://westalpen.wordpress.com/2012/06/27/montagnards/ Sabine

In augstieg of balme the bivouac "gino Gandolfo" is recommended (great location, place for about 8 people). on Tues fiorita colle (where the last long descent begins) follow the trail to the left. Steep descent and a bit overgrown, but sufficiently obvious.

In the sense Usseglio - Balme:
Markup rather uneven which causes a lot of mistakes and wasted time in the early stage. After Usseglio, do not take the traces at the end of the dike channeling torrent, lead in the wasteland. The path the embankment gravel, sinks and rises through the trees. The trail is narrow but clear and marked. Afterwards, during the ascent, the tags are not always well placed to bifurcations, care must be taken not to take the trail leading to the river, but follow that which is visible and is occasionally marked.

descent from the hill of flowery coast (2465, not mentioned in the report: Paschiet from 250m down, then up) steep often exposed, vague traces invaded by vegetation, stamps little visible down long stretch of chaotic remains of avalanche